Sea Isle Hears Beach Complaints

SEA ISLE CITY – At its Nov. 14 meeting, Sea Isle City City Council, with the captain of the beach patrol and the chief of police in attendance, heard a litany of complaints from residents about beach operations and uses.
Concerns ranged from dogs on the beach, pros and cons about large tents set up on the beach, loud music, mobility mats that enhance accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers, and large holes throughout the sand created by erosion. 
Council stated it wanted to hold a public discussion about resident concerns about these problems to make improvements by summer 2018.
Business Administrator George Savastano said, “Regarding the tents, we have a mixed response from the public, with some folks being opposed to their use on the beach, as they are considered obtrusive, and others not having objections. The administration will enforce whatever ordinances are in place, and if future restrictions are imposed, we will enforce them. 
“Currently, the administration does not believe additional legislation is needed, but in any event, we will enforce whatever the council enacts. Regarding holes in the beach, please report those that are of a significant size that affects safety and we will take care of them as quickly as possible.”
During public comment, citizen remarks ran the gamut of opinion about tents. Several residents mentioned that large tents are a nuisance, unsightly, take up too much space, and sometimes are left unattended which could be a danger if a high wind comes. Other residents opined that they did not see any reason to make “yet more regulations” and that if regulations were enacted, they would be difficult to enforce.
Regarding other nuisance activities on the beach including the smoking of cigarettes or marijuana, a couple of residents asked for more police presence on the resort’s beaches. Another suggestion was to include educational materials about beach rules, regulations, and etiquette with every purchase of a beach tag.
Both the police chief and beach patrol captain emphasized to not “self-police” but rather alert lifeguards who have received training to handle a variety of nuisance behaviors and also have radio equipment to call the police.
Council President Mary Tighe pledged that council, along with city administration, will continue to pay close attention to letters, emails, phone calls and other input from residents about ways to improve Sea Isle City’s beaches.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.